laptop_connect

For all of you traveling entrepreneurs, AT&T is offering a wireless card for your laptop called the LaptopConnect Card. Right now, it is free with a minimum two-year service agreement of at least $59.99 per month, which includes AT&T’s Communications Manager software. That sounds reasonable considering the array of services you may use.

If you live in the large part of the USA that is covered by the very extensive service of AT&T after its merger with Cingular, this new mobile service may be just the thing for you. Unfortunately I can’t use it. So, before you get excited, see if service is available in your area; then click “Coverage Maps” at top right.

So, what is it?

This is a plug-in card for your laptop which enables use of many AT&T-Cingular applications for your mobile, small business, or personal needs while away from office or home. In the 3G coverage areas (mostly in cities), you get very fast data transfer. The 3G (third-generation) network is the latest in wireless technology from AT&T. With EDGE, the data transfer is somewhat slower. EDGE is a third-generation, high-speed,
mobile data and Internet access technology. According to the AT&T site, “it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services

including video and music clips, full picture & video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the move.

In areas where the 3G network is not available, customers will continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, when coverage is available.” The AT&T EDGE network is available in more than 13,000 cities and towns and in areas along 40,000 miles of highways. It provides average data speeds between 75-135Kbps.

You can download a Quick-start Guide that shows you how to install and initialize the card in just a short time span.

The card allows access to Internet, e-mail, and company intranets if you are in the coverage area. It can use a USB connector and is thus able to be used even on a very compact laptop without a PC slot.

How does it work?

AT&T’s Communication Manager (which comes with your monthly plan) allows use of 3G/EDGE networks as well as public or private Wi-Fi hotspots. Two obvious advantages to this card are:

Ability to use away from hotspots like coffee shops, hotels, or airports.Ability to connect along about 40,000 miles of highway lines in the coverage area; very useful to those who live away from wireless centers or who are always on the move.
One comment on a blog even had the service being useful eight miles out in the Gulf of Mexico on an oil rig! No wires there.

These abilities set this card and technology apart from the built-in wireless cards most laptops have. You must be near some hotspot, like my own Linksys antenna that I’m using to write this article. As I said, AT&T doesn’t cover me here or I might use the Laptop Connect Card.

What can it do for me?

If you travel a lot within the main AT&T coverage area, this card will set you free from the restraints of local wireless hotspots. In addition:

You will be able to send very large e-mails while traveling.

Your mobile workforce (which may just be you) can access company documents and databases.

The system enables your laptop to act like a full-fledged desktop wherever you are.

You will be able to maintain office activities from wireless locations.

AT&T says the cards are compatible with networks they maintain in 130 countries, and they fit any Type II slot, the most common laptop PC Card slot.

Where do I get it?

You can buy a Laptop Connect Card online. It is not necessary to be in any other AT&T program to get this card. Just buy the card and get a plan. Right now the card is free with a service plan and you should get it this way if you are going to use this service. The cards could cost several hundred dollars outside this special offer!

The AT&T Website was difficult for me to understand. They probably have too much information displayed in a way they think tells how great AT&T products and systems are. Amidst all this stuff a potential customer can be left, as I was, with many unanswered questions. My recommendation is to go to the nearest AT&T store and ask someone to help you. Maybe they can answer your questions. For online advice click here, then scroll almost to the bottom of the page and click “Contact AT&T.”

What services can I expect?

Communication Manager now includes capability for laptops running Windows Vista. With this software you can access AT&T networks with LaptopConnect Card or with one of the compatible handsets. AT&T provides support for individual cards, phones, or other devices by naming them here

Yank is a home-based entrepreneur and freelance business writer living in Hurricane Alley, North Carolina, USA. His Website is http://www.alternate-choice.com and you may contact Yank at .newideas@alternate-choice.com.